Monthly Archives

May 2014

RECAP | AIR B&B + WINERY

14298742451_843d5b009a_bWelcome to Mountain Laurel Farm Bed and Breakfast!

After pulling into the gravel driveway and meeting our host, Melody, we felt right at home!  She told us that we were actually the first guests after making it an official bed and breakfast so we’d get extra special treatment, score!  She also told us that they’ve booked 11 weddings already since they put it on the web as an event space, when you see the below photos of the barn, you’ll know why it’s already a hit!

Since our trip was SO SHORT after we arrived we quickly got a tour, set our stuff down and headed out for the hike I recapped in the last post. When we got back and got cleaned up we got a tour of the barn and walked around the property before heading out to dinner at Melly’s (mmm…grilled trout!) When I was pulling images for the post I sadly realized I didn’t take that many photos of the home’s interior which is a shame because it was nicely decorated and beautiful–like something you’d see in a Southern Living magazine!  Sometimes it’s just nice to soak it in and live in the moment and not worry about documenting, though I do love to snap photos of most everything! Here’s what I captured–

14320949103_bcde9001da_b14298843262_d757b8672d_bThis was our Paris themed room.  Above the bed are Melody’s grandmother’s vintage hats. They were each so pretty and detailed, she told us the center one is the one her grandmother wore at her wedding. You can’t really tell but it’s a deep teal with black ribbon.

14115403867_883e2fbfbc_b14300065142_60d3507767_bThey made this walkway down to the barn using old doors from the property. I imagine that’s where brides will walk through making their entrance to the barn for weddings, so dreamy!

14278848626_6f4f2f8986_b14301931355_61475ce671_b14114228597_bf940a13f6_bThis was our breakfast feast Melody made, she’s quite the cook!  That morning I woke up BECAUSE I smelled bacon, now that’s living the good life on vacation!

14115414797_f0efe24827_b14300011472_bc64de168f_bThis is the original homestead-now free standing-fireplace near the bed and breakfast’s property. If I was a bird, I’d definitely live here!

14301949455_811ef041d4_bTouring the barn, Dustin was snapping photos of all the decor while Melody was telling me about all the renovations they’ve done and plan to do before the weddings start. I was asking lots of questions and taking mental notes since my favorite idea thus far is a barn wedding. Below is the loft that will eventually be an additional space for events. The light coming in was so moody, hope they keep it slightly open.

14277645326_9a16a05e62_b14301436914_ed1330ce9f_b14114081799_7c55ef9290_b14322125053_3af140e351_bThe tail-end of our short getaway was visiting Wolf Mountain Vineyards in Dahlonega, GA.  My old roommate Lisbeth was always talking about this place and how awesome it was so we said we’d meet up for drinks which kept getting put off. Well we finally did and I was pleasantly surprised at how big it was, it’s like a small version of a California Vineyard!

winejpgMy favorite white wine is Chardonnay so we selected this bottle of a limited release. It was delicious! I prefer buttery oaky chards and this was on point–not too tart or sweet.

14278806966_f7d7d7f179_bI’m wearing a Banana Republic dress, Clarks desert boots, Jcrew bag.

We decided we didn’t need to take an official tour since Dustin was certain he could give us a better tour so we set out and took a little adventure around the vineyards.  As we all expected the “tour” Dustin led was hilarious and “informative” though we found out most of the information was made up!

14115314250_e4c3bfca8c_b14115295788_b6da8035f8_bPhoto of a photo of a photo, taken by our other friends that met us there-thanks Matt and sorry if we’re in your photo bride lady! It was an awesome afternoon hanging with friends with a beautiful view and tasty wine! I’d go back to each part of this trip in a heart beat.

Here is the listing, we both highly recommend!

Have a good and safe weekend!

RECAP | GEORGIA HIKING

14290748924_fc7301642b_bTo add to the holiday weekend my boss gave the entire office off this past Friday just cause (what a nice guy right?!!) so Dustin and I decided to take advantage and skip town for a night! Through Air B&B we booked a nights stay at a historic home and headed to North Georgia-specifically the Cleveland/Helen/Dahlonega area-to hike and take in the sights.  As one would expect I took a TON of photos so I’m splitting it up, this post is all about the hike we did through Raven Cliffs Falls.

14311426583_c964cbab0f_b14311412043_10cf1689ce_bThe hike from start to finish was around 5 miles and in that time we came across 2 salamanders (we held one!), 3 snakes (did NOT hold these..), a clicking beetle, lots of butterflies, a HUGE toad (biggest I’ve ever seen) and a bunch of millipedes/caterpillars/snails!! We are both nature lovers and took it all in with a smile that was until I swallowed a medium-sized bug of some sort and then I chocked for a bit until I got it down with some water and trail mix. Laughed it off and kept going..with my mouth closed!

The woods were so green that the trees made a nice canopy that kept us cool. We had forgotten bug spray but thankfully didn’t really get bit. The weather was pretty humid until a small storm rolled through and chilled things down a little, we were scared at first thinking we are going to get drenched since we had two cameras on us but our tree canopy helped with this as well. The actual trail is a mix of dirt, rocks and LOTS of tree roots which made it hard to take your eyes of the ground at many points if you didn’t want to trip or roll an ankle. I really enjoyed the actually climbing parts when we hiked down to a few smaller falls, especially since I had a handsome man helping me!

14268127916_2f285b86aa_b14104602138_e622386f1f_b14104549319_6e44f07567_bThis mega waterfall was the “end” of the trail, aka our mission, which we reached in just shy of 2 hours after stopping and playing with all the bugs and things we saw along the way. Dustin had been on this hike about a half dozen times so he knew it well and told me that the “ultimate view” was getting ON TOP of this cliff {waterfall} and looking down(!!!) I agreed to try and we hiked up the rocky “trail” to the side of it to the almost top. Then I slipped down some clay and was trapped under a fallen tree holding on for dear life and laugh-crying while experiencing the WORST WEDGIE I’ve ever had and couldn’t move (thanks overall shorts..) So once Dustin helped me up and I gathered myself and dusted off what clay I could, we hiked back down to the normal trail and started our way back to the car. The only injuries I faced from my slip and fall was a really dirty bum and dyed forearms from the clay.

14268089316_83c822c3e5_b14289295802_7a77a5f1bc_bI felt good having an Eagle Scout with me on the trails, however, next time I should remember Dustin is an experienced hiker and that “easy trail” may mean that’s it’s more difficult to me! Our next visit to N. Georgia we’d like to camp on the premises of the trail, after all it’s first come first serve and FREE as well as go tubing!

Coming up: photos from Mountain Laurel Farm Bed & Breakfast!

weekend wear 03

14040046389_ceab99bd33_bI think I’ve found a reoccurring entry I can actually keep up with- these ‘weekend wear’ posts are fun and easy! Especially since I spend my weekends with my honey and he’s a great photographer and I feel comfortable asking him because he loves helping me out and is super supportive of my blogging. I hope to get them up on Mondays but sometimes my Monday evening after work is more for playing catch up on chores and decompressing since the weekend often goes until Sunday night.

Unlike the previous two weekends we did not get BBQ instead kept our Friday simple and walked over to The Bookhouse pub, one of my favorite pubs for Oberon on draft and a yummy dinner. On the walk over I commented about the chilly weather and Dustin said “yea, we’re having a ‘blackberry winter’..” to which I replied “oh yea? didn’t know that was a thing.”  He didn’t either until one of his coworkers had told him about it so we were both new to this Southern term which refers to a cold front that coincides with the time-frame that blackberries are in bloom.  As expected it didn’t last long since it’s about to be real deal summer here in Hotlanta. Always glad to take advantage of a cool front and continue wearing Spring layers and open up the windows in my loft. Speaking of layering, this “dress” has to be layered because it doesn’t cover much, don’t even think tights would be appropriate but with jeans it works!  Pretty hilarious when my mom gave it to me on a family trip last year and I put it on and came out and my brother was like “ah Jess!” and mom and dad said “oh no, think it’s a *little* too short!” OOPS!

14246879113_705d1a1ffb_bDuring the pre-Shaky knees Party at Free People White Provisions I was given one of these cute totes and it’s been my purse for the last week.  It’s been great because I like having a casual day time bag I can toss all of my chunky things in like planner and journal and then if I go out change things over to a smaller more dressy bag.

14226706615_7efae67b2a_bKeep growing hair, keep growing!

14246894573_d5661b70bd_b14224382812_a88111ed5b_b 14040061758_9387ccbe19_bJacket: H&M, Dress/Jeans/Tote: Free People, Desert Boots: Clarks, Shades: TOMS

The majority of the weekend was spent with my girlfriends on a mini getaway in Ball Ground, Georgia. Eleven of us caravaned up to my friends parents home in the mountains where we hiked, cooked out, day drank and played Cards Against  Humanity.  I left my camera at home and focused on enjoying time with my friends, though I did document all of our amazing meals for Instagram! I love how just an hour and fifteen minute drive up the interstate and it feels like you are in a totally different state all together~

Hope you’ve been enjoying my little weekend recaps, expect to see more!

RECAP | SHAKY KNEES FESTIVAL

14185935822_3016af6e10_b    So you’ve seen the festival fashion from Shaky Knees, now I want to share my personal experience! Having gone to last year’s fest and getting caught in the crazy weather that is typical of the month of May in the South (thunderstorms, rain, unexpected heat) I knew I must be prepared with round two. Dustin and I packed rain jackets, SPF, water-proof pouches, and rain boots along with the rest of our things before heading over to the apartment we rented for the weekend in Atlantic Station.  The apartment is a friend of mine’s who listed it on Air B and B and since we didn’t want to bother with parking, cabs, etc we figured it was safest to stay close to the festival grounds. Ended up working out perfectly and was very convenient!  Especially since the size of the festival has grown tremendously since last year’s inaugural year it seems like exiting the event area was a pain.  The crowd seemed to be from all over.  I talked with lots of people from out of town, even a gal from Australia! Makes me happy for the businesses which benefit with an increase in revenue.  Before I start bragging about ATL lets get to more about the festival weekend..

14188464254_55e95636be_bThis was Day One’s outfit, a Gap t-shirt, Free People shorts, Hunter rainboots, and vintage AE backpack (have had this thing since early high school, so strange but that is actually vintage!)  When we were first walking over and the sun was out I was a little pissed I was wearing heavy and hot rain boots, but then when it started POURING I was happy that I was a lot more prepared then other attendees who were shivering and soaked. They learned the hard way but come next year they’ll have the proper attire and be a pro.

14188484844_b99b249215_b 14001884360_58d32908be_binsta_oneINSTA-FLASHY  |  This kid was the cutest! During Local Natives he was snapping away on a cell phone while chilling on his dad’s shoulders. His dad saw this pic on Instagram and commented “He looks familiar @ladyflashback haha nice shot!” … Dad approves, yay!  My roommate also attended and shot festival style for Paste Magazine so we were both on fashion patrol!

14165353686_2bb2994e6d_b14001876470_9442780ef9_bWhen it wasn’t raining this is how you could find Dustin and I, armed with a cold beer and fan!

14185924752_0c8a680fcf_b14208665773_24061a0181_b1/2 yard beer at Yard House, we ate there before the shows on Saturday, tallest hair-of-the-dog I’ve ever seen!

14001901607_0cd9eac140_b14001867830_9173101dd2_b 14001902937_bd3e0417ee_bEach day our walking route included walking over this neat bridge and one day we spotted this guy who decided to belly flop into the water after this photo!

14188483244_314a3fe11a_bOveralls-Target, Shirt-Cynthia Rowley, Hat-Jcrew
Went searching for a fashionable rain jacket at Target but had no such luck, however, I did leave with these overalls shorts for less than $25.00!

insta_twoINSTA-FLASHY  |  I never want to drink another Dos Equis ever again ….  or at least not until next year’s Shaky Knees // Alabama Shakes putting on one helluva show!

14208645363_ffbed452ae_bThe last day, which was the sunniest, Dustin brought along his vintage 35mm camera loaded with Lomography film. Excited to see how these turn out!

14001863438_babcc593d3_bFriend and momma Tara working one of the drink stands that had a great view of both the city and the two main stages! Volunteering or working is something Dustin and I are considering for an upcoming festival, maybe Tomorrow World.

14165355546_8c25d00284_bMy look from the last day, a Madewell dress, Free People shades, same backpack I used the whole time and comfy Dansko clogs.

14001853288_a64a3692f1_bMy top favorite performances-
Modest Mouse, turned out to be the most we danced the whole weekend, who would have thought dance party when talking about MM, so much fun!
Cage the Elephant, they always put on a great performance, and I love the lead singer’s outfit (velvet shirt, white denim jeans and Doc Martens) who crowd surfed in the rain!
Local Natives-been wanting to see these guys forever and they did not disappoint, rocked out so good!
Band of Skulls-for a 3 piece band they really jam, especially their lady bassist!
Jenny Lewis-she’s been a long time favorite artist of mine so to see her again in my city was great. always look forward to seeing what she’s going to wear, for this particular performance she kept it on the casual side with cut off shorts and a vintage tee.
Alabama Shakes-they closed the festival and man did they put on a show. I was teary-eyed singing and dancing it was THAT good!

This festival holds a special place in my heart. It was where I met and connected with Dustin last year and now will be one of many of our traditions.  We’ve saved our wristbands, paper bag koozies, and other trinkets we collected along the way and will be making a shadowbox to remember our great time at round DOS!

FESTIVAL FASHION | SHAKY KNEES

13987610457_7f721fef0a_bSince I’m feeling like myself again after 3 days of music, rain and Dos Equis, I wanted to share my favorite of the festival fashions from Shaky Knees Music Festival! Despite the crazy weather fest-goers rocked some really great looks, here are the ladies I thought wore it best-

13987578757_aca286fa30_b14171534082_38f59636bc_b14171584922_7ae169aae4_b13987617857_59e9b2d095_b14171589712_707a2205ea_b14194364623_e71ef5c1bf_b14170940011_2498873ece_b14174303374_2a1d6b8082_b14194341643_bce9991cc5_b14194349433_eae9b16407_b14194355693_75602048c4_b14174271744_7f8712c110_b14174257215_273b1fae24_b14171536272_a602140100_b14170913371_087ed14742_b14170927381_973fec5140_b13987608937_44bc22a8aa_b13987595840_3d343e2e48_b13987592727_a4df9a3d20_b13987580138_770e2a1e95_b13987576597_6d3c25f57f_b13987564060_a7542b30db_bLastly, my favorite of my outfits, a Madewell dress I bought specifically for the occasion which turned out to be a heavier linen that I thought so I sweated my bum off! (worth it!)

13987574718_059e941896_oI’ll be sharing a more detailed post of mine and Dustin’s adventures along with my other two outfits which are even more casual but also blue. Apparently I’m on a blue kick which is A-Ok with me!

Recap coming up!